Evaluation of kerfless linear arrays

A kerfless linear array has been designed where the elements are defined by the electrode pattern on the surface of the array. This simplifies the array fabrication and will permit the development of higher frequency arrays than are possible using conventional dice-and-fill techniques. Finite element models of a 50 MHz sub-diced linear array and kerfless linear array are compared. The pulses at the focus of the arrays are comparable. The directivity of the kerfless array is much narrower than the sub-diced array due to increased electrical and mechanical coupling between the elements. However, the two-way radiation patterns of both arrays were very similar. A 2 MHz array was fabricated to verify the model results. Good agreement was obtained between an experimental measurement of the element directivity and the theoretical prediction.